Julius Jones. Coach Jim Mora was asked about it seven times during his news conference on Monday and five more times today.

The hot topic? Jones’ status as the starting running back for this week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers at Qwest Field.

And how Justin Forsett running for career-high yardage twice in the past three games will affect it. And how Jones missing the past two games and most of a third with a bruised lung could affect it. And whether he might consider using both in the backfield at the same time (something that already has been done this season).

No matter how many times Mora has said that if Jones can play he will start, it didn’t stop another form of the same question being asked.

Jones might have supplied the best answer, as he not only practiced but looked good doing it. He was hitting the holes quickly, getting to the second level aggressively and doing both decisively.

Now comes the next obstacle: How Jones feels Thursday after getting his most extensive action in practice since he was injured while picking up a blitz in the first quarter of the Week 10 loss to the Cardinals.

Jones did practice last week, but only on a limited basis on Thursday and Friday. He never even worked out prior to Sunday’s game against the Rams because of lingering soreness.

“We hope to increase his workload and see where he is towards the end of the week,” Mora said.

Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp liked what he saw today.

“Good first day back, but we’ve got to keep in mind it’s been three weeks really where there wasn’t a lot of cardio work he was able to do,” Knapp said. “The endurance thing would be an issue to see how he progresses during the week.”

INJURY REPORT

The official report, as released by the team:

DID NOT PRACTICE

DE Lawrence Jackson (groin)

LB D.D. Lewis (knee)

DL Cory Redding (concussion)

FULL PARTICIPATION

RB Julius Jones (chest)

C Chris Spencer (thumb)

Jackson is expected to play Sunday, Mora said. Darryl Tapp worked at Jackson’s right end spot with the No. 1 defense.

Mike Singletary, the 49ers coach and Hall of Fame linebacker, downplayed the atmosphere at Qwest Field during a conference call interview.

“Not really,” he said when asked if the club was taking any measures during practice this week to prepare for the din generated by the crowd. “We just have to make sure that we’re well prepared and ready to go when we get there.”

But tight end Vernon Davis had this to say: “Every time I play up there and leave your stadium, I can’t hear. It’s so loud. And that’s what you want. That’s a good thing, because it’s hard for an offense to get off the ball when they can’t hear.”

STAT DU JOUR

Strong safety Deon Grant will play in his 140th consecutive game this week. That’s top for a safety among active players and fifth overall behind QB Brett Favre (280), QB Peyton Manning (187), cornerback Ronde Barber (162) and linebacker London Fletcher (146).

YOU DON’T SAY

“I don’t know what he’s got in him. I think he’s mixed with a little bit of horse.” – cornerback Josh Wilson on Davis, a former Maryland teammate who has uncanny speed for someone who is 6 feet 3 and weighs 250 pounds